'Choose Kind' Will Take Center Stage At South Side Irish Parade

CHICAGO - Kerry Lynch said her family was "thrilled" and "shocked" when they received word a few months ago that "Choose Kind" would be the honoree of the 2019 South Side Irish Parade.

"We had no idea... it was not on our radar," Lynch said of the honor.

Lynch and her 7-year-old daughter, Mary Cate have visited more than 100 Chicagoland schools promoting kindness and raising awareness about Apert syndrome and other craniofacial diseases.

Mary Cate was born with Apert syndrome, which affects the development of the head, hands, feet and cognitive abilities. Children born with the syndrome suffer from a range of physical and cognitive impairments and face numerous surgeries over their lifetimes.

The Lynch family, which includes Kerry and her husband, Chris, Mary Cate and three younger siblings, will spread their message of kindness beyond the schools of Chicago this weekend. They will be featured prominently as the honoree of the South Side Irish Parade and have invited a dozen or so other families in the Chicagoland area with children suffering from craniofacial ailments to march with them.

"We all know that sometimes people stare and not give the nicest reactions when they see these kids," Lynch said. "We're looking forward to the parade as a way to raise more awareness."

The parade itself is a big deal to the Lynch family. Both Kerry and Chris grew up in the nearby south suburbs, have lived in Beverly for the last seven years and have enjoyed the parade traditions both as children and adults.

"It is always a great time for friends and family to enjoy each other," Kerry said.